Vacation to Home.

Hot. She was sick of hot. She looked forward to the end of it, to the end of summer. In October,the nights get colder, and longer, the days shorter. Now a 45 minute drive home. She envisioned the trees getting bare on top of that mountain. She loves how she can watch the transformation of the leaves take place; eventually the woods aren't so intimidating at night. Little yellow lights could already be seen through the trees in the afternoon light.
She opens the window, takes a deep breath of the crisp air rushing past as she drives. She wishes she was there already. This year she would not miss it. The past too many years were busy. Life had not given her the time to enjoy such relaxing luxuries. The sight of the colorful trees is enough to tempt her foot against the peddle, ignoring the strict white limit signs. It's been a little too long. She silently hopes everything about this place has remained unchanged, unlike the rest of the world around her.
The air changes. The gentle air caressing her face now seems forceful, whipping and pulling her hair. She quickly rolls up the window and changes her thoughts.
All the Thanksgivings and Christmases. and other holidays the family would all gather. Each year, the less people seemed to show up. She guessing people had more important stuff to do than to see family. Her family was small anyways, and it didn't help now that only about 8 people showed up.
Her grandma would always make so much food and decorations. Her Christmas tree was the only one she'd ever seen with tinsel. And she always had a fire going and grandaddy would put crystals in to make the flame turn different colors. The guest beds were always made up with soft sheets and thick quilts that my grandma had made herself. How could anyone no want to live there?? She asked silently. She dreamed of living in that house when her grandparents past away.
Finally, she made that left turn. Her hopes rose, she was getting excited, but also nervous... The road looked level and harmless at first but further up, this road had led to many accidents and many close calls during the winter time. She recalled one time her bus has almost slipped off the side of the mountain road, but she didn't worry about the winter. She didn't plan on leaving that house. She'd stay there until spring in an extended vacation.
She tightened her grip on the steering wheel, making sure she had control as she continued on the narrow road through the yellow wood. She knew the sharp turns and twists like the back of her hand.
She took a deep breath and turned into the drive way. As she got out of the car, she hesitated... Is she gone? She thought guiltily, she never got to say goodbye. She started walking towards the old hand crafted steps. She noticed another board had been broken and replaced with a new peice of wood.
Woof! The familiar bark startled her but made a smile appear on her face. Like clockwork the front door opened, and Peebles stumbled out, a little slower than usual. She rushed over and Peebles gave her a sloppy kiss.
She stood up after Peebles had reassured her that she wasn't gone, and her grandparents ushered her in.

* * * * *

Hot. it was getting too hot here. Only she didn't look forward to leaving to get away now. But it was time to leave. She said her goodbyes, and hit the road. Heading towards...well, she didn't know where, but she knew she'd be back here in about 6 months. She smiled at that thought.